MBNel embodies the drive and determination of Stockton’s 8th Street, channeling its spirit into his music for the world to embrace. With nearly 40 music videos and over a million views on YouTube, this second-generation Filipino-American artist reached a new pinnacle with his audacious late 2023 release, “8 To Infinity,” under Muddy Boyz/EMPIRE. The album broadens Nel’s melodies, musical depth, and raw vulnerability, spotlighting his star power in tracks like “Tear Drops” and “Restart,” alongside collaborations with artists like Mozzy, Yung Bleu, and Millyz, resonating strongly with global audiences.
Coming from a family of first-generation immigrants, Nel initially applied his relentless work ethic to street life before redirecting it to the studio. Exposed to music early on through his father, a DJ, he ventured into rapping in his teens. Choosing to shift away from a dead-end street life at 19, he used funds from a menial job to finance his breakthrough “Love My Gang” music video, propelling him into Stockton’s spotlight and catching the attention of artists like Lil Baby and media outlets like Say Cheese.
Since his breakthrough in 2017, Nel’s trajectory has been one of consistent success. His tracks like “Feelings” and the “In My City” video garnered millions of streams and views, bringing attention not just to his Northern California roots but also cultivating a global fanbase. From having his music used by the San Francisco 49ers to performing at Rolling Loud and sold-out shows in Los Angeles, London, and New York City, Nel’s journey has been marked by milestones and collaborations with industry heavyweights like Eminem and Ez Mil.
Looking forward, Nel’s 2024 vision revolves around inspiring and uplifting others. His upcoming trip to the Philippines, his first as a professional artist, includes stops across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, aiming to connect with his roots and the youth in those areas. His music, a reflection of his life experiences, serves as a journal expressed through melodies, resonating deeply with those who relate to his story.
Despite his growing global presence, Nel remains rooted in Stockton, planning to launch businesses there in 2024. Collaborations continue to be a focus, evident in his tracks featuring artists like Mozzy, Millyz, and Yung Bleu, as Nel explores different styles and sounds.
For Nel, “8 To Infinity” isn’t just an album; it’s a testament to breaking barriers and showcasing that limitless possibilities exist for those who dare to dream big. Turning the “8” on its side symbolizes this belief, embodying the idea that anything is achievable, a message he lives by and aims to share with the world through his music.
